Clifton pub aims to put family at its heart

THE Clifton pub is being transformed by new landlords Darren and Vicky Turner as part of a £20,000 investment aimed at satisfying existing customers and welcoming new ones.

The husband and wife team already run The Kings, in Wood Street, and The Plough Inn, at Devizes Road, for Arkell’s, and will be overseeing the brewery’s latest venture, replacing the previous tenants.

Over the past two weeks, the Clifton Street pub has been redecorated inside and repainted on the outside.

Yesterday, final preparations were being made for the bar’s reopening at 6pm tonight.

Darren, 39, said: “It has been a really busy time but something we are extremely excited about.

“This place has great potential as this is a nice area with lots of chimneys, so we are looking to make it a real success.”

Arkell’s is determined to make the Clifton a success and will be applying to Swindon Council to install a kitchen, build a conservatory for diners, and offer five rooms above the bar as B&B accommodation.

The Turners, who live at the Kings with their children Lauren, 16, Holly, 11, and seven-year-old Ruby, hope this work will be completed within six months, if approved by the council.

Darren said: “These are really exciting plans. There’s been a lot of work over the last few weeks but going forward these are the major plans to turn the Clifton into a real family friendly pub.

“People say this is not a good time to be in this industry, but we are very excited and are determined to make the Clifton a success like we have at the Kings and the Plough.

“It is great as all three have different vibes – the Kings is a thriving hotel and nightclub, while the Plough is a distinctive ale house – and we obviously have big plans for the Clifton.”

There will be a new range of beers and ciders on tap at the Clifton, as well as several whiskeys and gins.

Jade Redford, 21, is the manager of the Clifton and will be living at the pub.

She said: “Everything is going really well. I think the effort that has gone into decorating the pub has paid off hugely as it looks great.

“We really believe this can be a great family pub which will be a major part of the community.

“I’m really looking forward to opening and introducing ourselves to the locals.”

Plans are being made for a launch party to take place at the revamped pub in a few weeks time.

Comments

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here